Step 1: Survey - A survey of potential planting sites takes place a few months before the target planting season. Our foresters use a variety of criteria to decide which locations are most appropriate for planting and can accommodate the healthy growth of new trees. If the location in front of your address is selected, an appropriate tree species is determined and a white dot is painted on the curb.

Step 2: Utilities - Prior to any work beginning, the utility companies mark the locations of all underground gas (yellow) , electric (red), and telecommunication (orange) lines to ensure that our contractors provide proper clearance while excavating the planting sites.

Step 3: Marking - A Parks forester along with the tree planting contractor will revisit each selected site prior to planting. A white "T" is painted on the curb where the tree will be planted. You may also see white marks on the concrete to indicate the corners of the future street tree pit. This process will most likely take place between February and March for spring plantings, and between September and October for fall plantings.

Step 4: Saw-Cutting - In some cases, the contractor will send a small crew to the location ahead of time to cut the concrete along the edges of the proposed excavation. The purpose of this is to make the concrete easier to remove at the time of planting.

Step 5: Pre-Excavation - In some cases the contractor may send a larger crew to the site prior to planting with the task of removing concrete, digging the hole in the ground, and filling it with nutrient-rich topsoil. Preparing the site ahead of time allows the contractor to plant more trees during the short planting seasons. Don't worry if the tree does not get planted at this time. THEY WILL BE BACK, most likely within a few weeks depending on the weather.

Step 6: Tree Planting - Planting occurs between March and May for the spring season and between October and December for the fall season. After planting, the contractor will install two wooden stakes for support. The ground will be mulched to moderate soil temperatures, minimize weed growth, and to retain water.

Step 7: Paving - Some conditions warrant the installation of granite blocks along the perimeter of the tree pit. If your tree is scheduled to receive them, this will not occur until several months after the tree is planted.

Step 8: Watering/ Maintenance - Contractors are responsible for regular maintenance of the tree during its first two years in the ground. As part of their maintenance requirements, they are required to water the tree at least once every two weeks from May through October. After one year, they must remove the stakes and ties. The planting contractors are also required to maintain soil quality and quantity, perform minor pruning, and replace missing paving stones if necessary.

Step 9: Guarantee - All street trees are guaranteed by the planting contractor for two years after planting. Parks will re-inspect every tree at least once during this period. If a tree dies during the guarantee period, the contractor must replace the tree in the next planting season. In fact, with the exception of vandalized trees that must only be replaced one time, a contractor must replace trees as many times as is necessary to leave a living tree at the end of the guarantee period.